Adjustable locking assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable locking assembly having a female member provided with a base portion and a pair of spaced forwardly directed sidewalls, all cooperating to define a forwardly open channel. A male element, having a body portion and a locking portion, extending into the forwardly open channel. One of the elements having angularly transversely oriented resiliently deflectable fins and the other having a plurality of transverse ribs defining a plurality of notches. At least one resiliently deflectable fin element having a free end engaged within a notch to establish locking assembly wherein separation of the male and female elements is resisted by resilient fin and notch engagement.

1111 3,732,659 May 115, 1973 Unite States Patent 1191 LaBarge [54]ADJUSTABLE LOCKING ASSEMBLY 3,524,290 8 1970 [75] Inventor. RobertLLanar e Alle hen Pa 3,527,011 9/1970 Bloom et 411...... g g 3,570,205 31971 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [73] Assignee: Aluminum Company ofAmerica,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Apr. 27, 1971 22 Filed:

21 Appl.No.: 137,886

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.128,92

Primary ExaminerAlfred C. Perham 0, M h 29,

are Attorney- Arnold B. S1lverman 1971, abandoned.

[57] ABSTRACT An adiustable locking assembl member provided with a base[52] U.S. Cl. ........................52/46l, 52/464, 52/584,

y having a female portion and a pair of 06 M1 2 b M 8 1 7 2 5 II- C l n1 1 1 5 1 52396-400403, 498, 502, ,464, 468, 469, 584, 585, 522, 538,52/717,7l8; 24/201 0; 85/DIG. 2;

spaced forwardly directed sidewalls, all cooperating to define aforwardly open channel. A male element,

[58} Field otSearch......

having a body portion and a locking portion, extending into theforwardly open channel. One of the elements having angularlytransversely oriented resiliently deflecta the other having a plu-References Cited ble fins and rality of transverse ribs definin g aplurality of notches.

UNITED STATES PATENTS At least one resiliently deflectable fin elementhaving a free end engaged within a 11 .24/201 C otch to establishlocking assembly wherein separation of the male and female elements isresisted by resilient fin and notch engage- 19 Claims, 9 Drawing FiguresPATENTED RAY I 5 I975 SHEET 1 [IF 3 FIG. 2.

\M 0 4 \8 r T INVENTOR. ROBERT L. LGBARG'E FIG. 4.

INVENTOR.

ROBERT L. LUBARGE Attorney PATENTE Y 1 5 I973 SHEET 3 OF 3 260 220 j 5242 A i i 240 2,2 23 266 j 230 234 4 202 200 A \250 254 2/4 226 2/6 252I/VVENTOR.

ROBERT L. LUBARGE M 13, Q-VQWMM Aflorney ADJUSTABLE LOCKING ASSEMBLYThis application is a continuation-in-part ofU. S. Ser. No. 128,920,filed Mar. 29, 1971, entitled Panel Construction and now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This inventionrelates to an adjustable locking assembly adapted to be effected andresiliently retained by adjustable splicing means. The invention alsorelates to a number of end use applications for such an assemblyincluding a uniquely configurated splicing element adapted to effectjoinder of panels having aligned adjacent marginal edges and a panel orwindow frame structure.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various forms of panel joining meansadapted to establish an effective joint between spaced adjacent marginaledges of wall panels have been known. It has also been known to providesuch structures and joint forming components which are adapted to beadjustable and provide locking engagement for wall panels of differentthicknesses. See, for example, US. Pat. Nos.

' 1,890,615, 2,564,638, 3,303,626 and Canadian Pat.

There remains a need for an aesthetically pleasing joint constructionwhich will effectively provide a number of positions at which durable,effective resilient locking engagement may be obtained. In addition,there remains a need for such a construction which provides componentswhich may readily be produced economically and rapidly assembled in thefield to yield further economic advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The wall construction of this inventionprovides a pair of uniquely configurated splice joint elements adaptedto establish resilient interengagement and effectively secure variousforms of wall constructions including panels composed of several panelsections and panel sections having a wide range of thicknesses. This isaccomplished by providing uniquely configurated construction componentswhich are formed in accordance with an application of the Vernierprinciple.

The wall construction of this invention provides a concealed jointbetween spaced marginal edges of aligned adjacent panels. The splicejoint assembly has a splice element and a spline element extending intothe space between the adjacent panels from opposite sides andresiliently interengaged with each other therewithin. The splice member,which is preferably composed of substantially rigid material, has a baseportion and a pair of generally parallel sidewalls extending forwardlyfrom the base portion and cooperating therewith to define a forwardlyopen channel. At least one of the splice element sidewalls has aplurality of transversely inwardly projecting ribs which divide thesidewalls into a plurality of notches. The spline element has a lockingportion, a transversely enlarged forwardly disposed head portion and aconnecting body portion. The spline element locking portion has at leasttwo transversely angularly forwardly directed resiliently deformablefins protruding from at least one side thereof with at least oneresilient fin having a free end deflected and resiliently engaged withina notch of the splice element. The head portion of the spline element isin contact with a forward facing surface of the adjacent panels.

A reference to members such as notches or fins being aligned or inalignment as used herein shall refer to their being so disposed that atleast one of these members on one side of a splice or spline element isconnected to the splice or spline element at substantially the samelongitudinal position as a second such member which is connected to theother side of such a splice or spline element.

In order to obtain the maximum benefit of this invention the notches ofone splice element sidewall are positioned in relative alignment withthe notches of the other sidewall while the fins on one side of thespline element are disposed in relative staggered position with respectto the fins on the other side. Alternatively, the notches may beprovided in relative staggered position while the fins are in relativealigned position.

In one preferred form of the invention, the spline element head portionwill be engaged with the outermost forwardly facing panel surfaces. Inanother preferred form of the invention, the spline element body willhave an integrally formed forwardly open second channel disposed closelyadjacent to the spline element head. This second channel is providedwith sidewalls having transversely inwardly angularly rearwardlydirected elongated resilient fins. A second spline element, preferablycomposed of a substantially rigid material, has a head portion and abody portion extending into the forwardly open second channel. The bodyportion of the second spline element is provided with a number oftransversely outwardly directed ribs which engage and deflect theresilient fins of the second channel to establish a resilientinterlocking joint.

In one preferred form of the invention, the splice joint assembly isadapted to provide a joint between a pair of panels composed of interiorand exterior panel sections having an interposed panel section composedof an insulating material. The splice element in this form is providedwith an integrally formed second channel which is rearwardly open andadapted to receive the edges of a pair of panel sections to be joined.The rearwardly open channel may assume various configurations which areadapted to provide an effective joint. The entire splice element ispreferably composed of aluminum and formed by extrusion.

It is an object of this invention to provide an adjustable lockingassembly which has a refined graduation of adjustments and providesresilient interengagement between component parts so as to effectivelyresist relative separating movement of the parts.

It is another object of this invention to provide such a structurewherein the adjustment graduations are effected in accordance with aprecise mathematical relationship which provides more effectivegraduated interengagement and is adapted to be employed economically ina wide variety of end uses.

It is another object of this invention to provide a wall constructionwhich is adapted to secure spaced marginal edges of adjacent panels bymeans of a uniquely configurated splice joint assembly.

It is another object of this invention to provide a splice jointassembly which is adapted for adjustable resilient locking engagement ofadjacent panels and may be employed with single panel section walls ormultiple panel section walls including a wide range of thicknesses.

It is another object of this invention to provide a pair of splice jointassembly components which are adapted to be readily economicallyproduced and easily assembled in order to provide a continuous uniformresiliently retained joint between adjacent panels.

It is another object of this invention to provide a splice jointassembly adapted for use in establishing an exterior building wall andeffecting joinder thereof to an interior wall with an interposedinsulating panel section.

It is another object of this invention to provide a panel or windowframe structure employing the adjustable locking assembly of thisinvention.

These and other objects of the invention will be more fully understoodfrom the following description of the invention on reference to theillustrations appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view of aportion of a wall construction contemplated by this invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken through 2-2 of FIG. 1 illustrating apreferred form of joint construction.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating a modified form ofsplice joint assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of one form of spline elementcontemplated by this invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in exploded fashion, a modified form of splinecombination contemplated by this invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a form of splice element adapted to be used inconnection with the spline elements of this invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a form of locking assembly contemplated bythis invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another form of locking assemblycontemplated by this invention.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a window structure employingthe features of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As used herein, the term panel"shall refer to a component or components consisting of single panelsection or a number of panel sections disposed generally in face to faceadjacency with respect to each other so as to cooperate in forming awall or other panel-like construction.

Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates awall construction having panel 2 secured to adjacent panel 4 alongmarginal edges (indicated generally by numerals 6, 8), respectively, bymeans of joint 10, which in the form shown is longitudinally continuousand coextensive with the panel edges 6, 8.

Referring now to FIG. 2, it is seen that, in the form shown, the panelsto be joined are composed of several panel sections. Rearwardly disposedpanel sections 16, 18 consist of an exterior wall composed of a metalskin. Disposed immediately interiorly of panels 16, 18 and preferablybonded thereto are insulating panel sections 20, 22, respectively. Theforwardly exposed panel secform of invention shown in FIG. 2 consists ofa splice element 40 and a spline element 42.

Referring now to the detailed illustrations of splice element 40 andspline element 42 shown in FIGS. 2 through 6, it is seen that the spliceelement 40 has a base portion 44 and a pair of sidewalls 46, 48extending forwardly from base portion 44 in spaced relationship withrespect to each other and preferably parallel to each other. Base 44,which is generally V-shaped, and sidewalls 46, 48 cooperate to define aforwardly open channel 50. The inner surface of each sidewall 46, 48 isprovided with a plurality of transversely inwardly projecting ribs 52which divide the sidewall into a plurality of inwardly open notches 56.The sidewalls 46, 48 are of substantially uniform width along theirlength except for ribs 52. It is noted that in the form which has beenillustrated, the ribs 52 of one sidewall 46, 48 are positioned instaggered relationship with respect to the ribs 52 of the other sidewall46, 48 and are not aligned with each other. This results in notches 56of one sidewall 46, 48 being staggered with respect to the notches ofthe other. It is further noted that each rib 52 is provided with arearwardly disposed surface 60 which is preferably substantiallyperpendicular to the sidewalls 46, 48 and a forwardly disposed surface62 which extends from the outer extremity of surface 60 angularlyoutwardly and forwardly. Each rib 52 is disposed in spaced relationshipwith respect to adjacent ribs 52 disposed on the same sidewall.

Unless otherwise indicated, reference herein to a fin being engagedwithin a notch shall refer to a fin having an end portion in resilientengagement with a notch defining rib and having a portion extending intothe notch.

Considering now the form of spline element shown in FIG. 4, it is seenthat the element has a body portion 70, a transversely enlarged headportion 72 and a locking portion 74. In this form, the body portionpreferably has a substantially uniform thickness and a generallyweb-like configuration. The head 72 has transverse flanges, which arepreferably of substantially uniform thickness, extending substantiallyperpendicular to the body portion. The locking portion 74 which forclarity of illustration may be deemed to be separated from the bodyportion by dotted line 76 (although this line need not represent anactual physical division) will generally originate at a position closelyadjacent the first locking fin 78. These elongated resilient fins 78 arepreferably of substantially uniform cross sectional configurationthroughout their longitudinal extent and are preferably of substantiallyuniform thickness between web 80 and their outer free ends. These fins78 preferably have a length greater than the width of web 80 from whichthey are cantilevered.

The locking portion 74 is provided with at least two transverselyangularly forwardly extending resilient fins 78 on each side of web 80.These fins 78 are preferably disposed at an angle ((1) alpha which ispreferably about 35 to 60 with respect to the remainder of look ingportion 74 and is 45 in the form shown. This angle assists materially inproviding resistance to joint separation. The fins 78 are resilient andthe spline element is preferably composed of a resiliently deformablematerial such as plastic or rubber. The maximum width D of the lockingportion 74 in its uncompressed state is preferabiy greater than theminimum internal width of for- .wardly open channel 50 by at least theheight of rib 52.

This insures resilient transverse inward deformation of fins 78 whenspline 42 is inserted into splice 40 and creates positive retention ofthe interlocking engagement. The fins 78 are adapted to be resilientlydeflected from their angular cantilevered position when the splineelement is inserted into the splice element. This deflection andresultant engagement of the fins '78 in the notches 56 produces aninterlock between the splice element and spline element. This interlockis resiliently maintained and resists undesired separation of the splineand splice elements.

Referring once again to FIG. 4, it is also noted that fins 78 disposedon one side of locking portion 74 are disposed in staggered relationshipwith respect to fins 78 disposed on the other side of locking portion74. These create a refined graduation with respect to the relativelocking positions of the splice element 40 and spline element 42. Withrespect to both the staggered positioning of ribs 52 and elongated fins78 it is preferable to establish uniform staggering such that thespacing between ribs 52 or fins 78 on one side is substantially equal tothe spacing between ribs 52 or fins 78 on the other side. In the formillustrated in FIG. 4, the locking portion has a web-like sector 80 fromwhich the fins 78 extend. Web-like sector 80 may conveniently be formedas an extension of body portion 70 and of substantially the samethickness.

While the form shown in FIG. 4 provides both notches and fins havingrelative staggered positions, in the preferred form of the inventioneither the splice element 40 notches or the spline element 42 fins willbe staggered and the other will not. In one preferred form, the notchesof one wall of splice element 40 will be positioned in alignment withthe notches of the other wall, while the fins of spline element 42 willbe positioned in relative staggered relationship. In another preferredform, the notches of one wall of splice element 410 will be staggeredwith respect to the notches of the other wall, while the fins emergingfrom one side of web-like sector 80 will be aligned with the fins of theother side. By providing relative staggering of either the notches orthe fins, but not both, the maximum effective graduation is obtained. Inthis fashion a symmetrical component is adjustably interengaged with astaggered component to effect refined graduation.

Referring once again to FIG. 2, it is seen that the spline element 42has been engaged within the splice element 40 and the cantilevered fins7% have been subjected to resilient deflection and have their free endsengaged within notches 56. It is noted that the extent of introductionof the spline 42 into the splice 40 may be varied and as a resultvarious panel thicknesses may effectively be secured by means of thesame components. it is further noted that all of the fins 75 will notnecessarily be in engagement within notches 56. Engagement of one fin 78of web 80 within a notch $6 is adequate to provide an effectiveresilient interlocking engagement which resists relative axialseparation of the two splice elements 40, 42.

In the form shown in FIG. 2, head 72 of spline element 42 is inrestraining contact with facing surfaces 30, 32 of panels 24, 26. Thisserves to close off space 34 from view and resist forward movement ofthe panels 24, 26. If desired, the exterior surface of head 72 may beprovided with a decorative finish in order to provide either uniformityof appearance with respect to facings 30, 32 or an aestheticallypleasing contrasting appearance. Also, spline element 42 when composedof a thermally insulating material will provide a thermal break betweenadjacent panels 2, 4.

Referring now once again to FIGS. 2 and 6, another preferred structuralembodiment of this invention will be discussed. As has been indicated,the form of construction shown in FIG. 2 provides ajoint betweeninterior panel sections 24, 26 and exterior panel sections 16, E8. Thesplice element 40 of this invention may be integrally formed withanother panel joining element in order to provide for economy offabrication, more effective unitary joinder between the outside paneljoint and the inner panel joint as well as ease of handling andinstallation. This is all accomplished by the form of splice element 40shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 which is provided with an integrally formedsecond rearwardly open channel. This channel defining portion 82 ispreferably formed in a unitary fashion with respect to splice element40. This may conveniently be accomplished by making the unit out ofmetal, such as aluminum, and fabricating the same by an extrusionprocess. The channel defining member 82 has a base wall 84, sidewalls86, 88 and a channel opening 90. Base wall 8 is disposed closelyadjacent to generally V-shaped base 44, with the rearward portion ofbase 44 preferably merging into base wall 84. While the specificstructural details of the interior of member 82 form no part of theinvention per se, they will be briefly considered. Each sidewall 86, 88is provided with lower and upper sheet engaging elements 92, 94,respectively, which serve to define panel receiving slots 96. Referringnow to FIG. 2, it is seen that re-entrant end portions 98, of panelsections 16, 18, respectively, are engaged within the slots 96. In orderto secure the panei section edges within the slots 96, a suitableresilient sealing member W2 is provided. It should be noted that thisparticular channel defining element 82 is essentially the same as thatshown as an independent panel joining element in U.S. Pat. No.3,232,395. It will be appreciated, however, that other known formsofjoint elements adapted to secure re-entrant bends in the ends ofadjacent panels may be employed in combination with the splice element40 of this invention. See for example US. Pat. Nos. 1,854,438, 3,110,066and 3,410,043. it is the adaptability of the splice element 40 of thisinvention to use in such a unitary combination which forms a portion ofthis invention and not the specific configuration of channel definingelement 82.

As has been indicated above, MG. 3 illustrates a similar form of panelassembly to that shown in FIG. 2, but employs a modified form of splineelement. For convenience of reference, like numerals will be employed inthis figure to refer to equivalent components previously discussed inconnection with FIG. 2.

In the form of wall structure shown in FIG. 3, portions of adhesive R04are positioned between the forward faces 106, 108 of panels 20, 22,respectively, in order to provide effective bonding therebetween. Itwill be appreciated that, if desired, a continuous adhesive may beemployed and that the use of such an adhesive is advantageous as itresults in a more uniform, rattle free wall structure with increasedresistance to undesired bowing. Also, in those instances where drywallis employed in panel sections 24, 26, the continuous adhesive providesadded reinforcement therefor.

Referring now in more detail to FIGS. 3 and 5, with emphasis upon thesplice joint assembly components,

it will be noted that a substantially identical splice element 40 hasbeen employed with one modification. The sidewalls 46, 48 are providedwith transversely outwardly directed flanges 110, 112, respectively,which are integrally formed therewith and are spaced rearwardly frommouth 114 of channel opening 50 and forwardly of base 44. The forwardsurfaces of these flanges are in surface to surface engagement with therear surfaces of insulating material 20, 22, respectively. These flanges110, 112 cooperate with the portions of sidewalls 46, 48 disposedforwardly thereof to provide resistance to rearward or transverse inwarddisplacement of panel sections 20, 22.

Considering the detailed illustration provided in FIG. 5, it is seenthat a first spline element 120 has a body portion 122, a head portion124 and a locking portion 126 separated from the body portion in theillustration by dotted line 128. The locking portion 126 is providedwith a plurality of angularly forwardly directed resiliently deformablefins 130 which are so disposed as to provide a staggered relationshipbetween the fins on one side of web 132 and the fins on the other sidethereof. These fins 130 would preferably be employed with a spliceelement having aligned notches. The effect of this staggeredrelationship is to reduce the amount of relative closing movementbetween the splice element and the spline element required in order tomove from one stage of interlock to the next succeeding stage ofinterlock. These cantilevered deflectable fins 130 function in the samefashion as fins 78 described above.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that first spline element 120 has asubstantially identical locking portion 126 as does spline 42. Theforward portion of the body 122 of spline 120 is provided with aforwardly open channel 136. This channel 136 is defined by a generallyV-shaped base portion 138 and adjacent, preferably parallel, sidewalls140, 142. Each sidewall is provided with at least two transverselyangularly rearwardly directed resilient fins 144 which are preferablydisposed at an angle of about 35 to 60 with respect to sidewalls 140,142. In the form shown, they are also preferably provided in staggeredrelationship. Head portion 124 has flanges 146, which are preferably ofuniform thickness, extending transversely outwardly from the forwardportion of sidewalls 140, 142.

A second spline element 150 which is preferably composed of asubstantially rigid material such as metal, or a suitable hard plasticor rubber material, has a body portion 152 and a head portion 154. Thebody portion 152 is provided on opposed sides with a plurality ofsubstantially rigid, transversely outwardly directed ribs 156. Themaximum width of the body portion 152 exceeds the minimum transverse gapbetween the free ends of the two rows of fins 144 in order thatintroduction of the body portion 152 into forwardly open channel 136will establish resilient generally transverse outward deflection of fins134 and create effective resilient interlocking engagement betweensecond spline element 150 and first spline element 120. The inclinationof fins 134 increases the resistance to undesired joint separation. Inthe form shown, the ribs 156 are staggered. With fins 144 staggered, itwould be preferred to provide second spline element 150 with ribs whichare aligned i.e. ribs on opposed sides of body 152 emerge transverselyoutwardly from the same longitudinal position.

In this fashion, first spline element provides resilient interlockingengagement between resilient fins and ribs 52 of splice element 40 andalso provides resiliently retained interlocking engagement betweensecond spline element and resilient fins 144.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it is seen that the flanges 146 of head portion124 are interposed between panel sections 20 and 24 and panel sections22 and 26, respectively, while head portion 154 of second spline element1S0 exerts a rearward force against the forward surfaces of outer panelsections 24, 26. This results in compressive securement of panelsections 24, 26 between head 154 and flanges 146. If desired, additionalfastening means 158, such as nails or screws, may be driven throughpanel sections 24 and 26 and through flanges 146 to provide foradditional rigidity and reinforcement of the joint. If fastener means158 are employed, the use of second spline 150 may be eliminated. Thisfacilitates the use of conventional drywall muding and taping practices.

The number of fins 78, 130 and the spacing of fins and ribs should havea definite mathematical relationship in order to achieve the desiredeffect. A preferred means of establishing the relationship of spacingbetween the ribs 52, 156 and fins 78, 130, respectively, is to employthe Vernier principle. This results in a structure providing optimumadjustability and effective interengagement. Considering, morespecifically, how this concept is applied to the present systemreference is made to FIG. 5. The formula applied is:

NS (N+ 1) S where N== the number of fins or ribs provided on the splineor splice element of an interengaging pair which has the lesser numberof fins or ribs S the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (bethey on the same side or opposite sides) of the element having thelesser number with the distance being measured between free ends thereofS the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the sameside or opposite sides) of the element having the greater number, withthe distance being measured between free ends thereof.

EXAMPLE Reference is now made to FIG. 5 with attention directed towardforwardly open channel 136 and second spline element 150. As openchannel 136 has a smaller number of fins 144 than the number of ribs 156on second spline 150, the number N is equal to 5, which is the number offins 144. The distance S may be taken between the free ends of therearwardmost fins 144, which are on different sidewalls 140, 142 andwill be assumed for purposes of illustration to be 0.075 inch. Applyingthe formula the following results are obtained:

N-S (N+ 1) S S 0.0625 inch Thus, the Vernier principle results in thespacing between the fins or ribs on the element having the lesser numberof fins or ribs being greater than the spacing between elements on themember having the greater number. This results in the desired refinedgraduation which produces optimum adjustability.

It will also be appreciated that as the number of fins or notches N isincreased, the distance S more closely approximates the distance S Whileas has been indicated all that is required is single engagement betweena notch and a fin, employing increased multiples of N will increase thenumber of fins engaged within notches at a given locking position.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing detailed description of myadjustable locking assembly as employed in a panel joint construction ismerely one specific advantageous end use of this structural combination.The general concept may be applied to numerous end uses. The samevariations disclosed in connection with the joint structure may readilybe incorporated in adjustable locking mechanisms used for a variety ofpurposes. Considering FIG. 7 it is seen that a male element 160 isadapted to be inserted into a female element 162. The male element 160has a body portion 164 and a locking portion 166 shown as being dividedby dotted line 168. As in the other embodiments, the male member has aplurality of transversely angularly oriented resiliently deflectablefins 172. In the form shown, the female element has a base portion 174and a pair of spaced forwardly directed generally parallel sidewalls176, 178. Each sidewall 176, 178 cooperates with the base portion 174 todefine a forwardly open channel 180. Each sidewall 176, 178 is providedwith a plurality of transversely inwardly directed substantially rigidribs 182, 184, respectively, which serve to define a plurality ofsidewall notches 186, 188, respectively. It is noted that in the formshown the ribs of one sidewall 176, 178 are disposed in alignedrelationship with respect to the ribs of the other sidewall. As ispreferred, the corresponding male element 160 has staggered fins 172. Ashas been indicated above an alternate preference would be to providestaggered ribs and aligned fins.

The female element 162 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a head portion190, 192 which is disposed generally perpendicular with respect tosidewalls 176, 178 and angular transition portions 194, 196 connect therespective portions. It will be appreciated that this general form ofadjustable locking assembly is adapted for use in a wide range oflocking mechanisms where adjustability and refined graduation, coupledwith effective resilient retention, are required.

While the form shown in FIG. 7 is the preferred approach which involvesthe fins being present on the male element 160 and the ribs on thefemale element 162, it will be appreciated that the deflective resilientfins may be positioned within the female member and the ribs in the malemember as is shown in the lower portion of FIG. 5.

The male element may be provided with a head portion such as those shownin FIGS. 4 and 5 or with alternate forms of body portion and endstructure depending upon the specific end use which is contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another specific end use structure will beconsidered. In general, FIG. 9 shows a sectional view through the frameof an insulated window. The frame has a structural member 200 and aninsulating member 202. The structural member 200 and insulating member202 are so configurated and interlocked as to provide effectivecompressively established retention of the marginal edge 204 of windowpane 206, which in the form shown is a double paned or insulated glassstructure. Interposed between the marginal edge 204 and the structuralmember 200 and insulating member 202 is glazing channel 208.

Considering now the structural details of the element, it is seen thatstructural member 200 has a base portion 212 and a first flange 214which emerges from one side of the base portion and is orientedgenerally perpendicular to the base portion 212. First flange 214 hasinwardly offset free end portion 216. The structural member 200 also hasa second flange 218 which is oriented generally angularly with respectto base portion 212. Second flange 218 terminates in a re-entrantportion 220. Also emerging from the base portion is divider wall 224which is oriented generally parallel to first flange 214. The dividerwall 224 contains the female member 226 which is defined by an extensionwall 228 which terminates in sector 230 oriented generally parallel todivider wall 224. As in the other embodiments illustrated, the femalemember is provided with a plurality of ribs 234, 236 which definenotches 238, 240, respectively. The outermost portion of divider wall224 has a perpendicular flange 242 which terminates in a protrusion 244.

Considering now the insulating member 202 in detail, it is noted that ithas a base 250, a first flange 252 directed generally perpendicular tothe base 250 adjacent one end thereof. The base, in the form shown,terminates in a channel shaped element 254 which receives free end 216of first flange 214. This provides for effective joinder connectingfirst flanges 214, 252. Insulating member 202 also has angularlydisposed second flange 256 which has a free end 258 and is provided witha channel shaped portion 260. This channel shaped portion receivesprotrusion 242 of divider wall 224. It is noted that the insulatingmember 202 also has a separating wall 266 which provides a male memberhaving a body portion 268 and a plurality of fins 270. At least one fin270 is in deflected resilient engagement within notches 238, 240. In theform shown stop member 272 is also provided on insulating member 202. Ineffecting assembly of the insulating member to the structural member themale member is introduced into the female member and relative closingmovement is established until the desired stopping point is reached. Theprecise stopping point will be determined in part by the thickness ofthe window pane 206 and the degree of compression of the channel shapedglazing member 208 which is desired. It is noted that the glazingchannel 208 has a first leg 276 interposed between the marginal edge 204of the pane 206 and re-entrant portion 220 of flange 218. The glazingchannel 208 also has a second leg interposed between marginal edge 204and flange 242 and free end 258 of flange 256. In this fashion, theadvantages of the adjustable locking assembly of this invention may beemployed to effect a tight, durable panel or window frame assembly atrefined graduations.

While for purposes of simplicity of illustration, attention has beenfocused on locking portions of spline elements provided with fins orribs on both sides and splice element and spline element channels havingribs and fins on both sides, and this is the preferred form of theinvention, it will be appreciated that if the desired ribs and fins maybe advantageously provided on only one side. For example, in FIGS. 2, 4and 6, fins 78 may be provided only emerging from the right of body 80and not from the left with body portion 80 having a smooth, web-likeleft surface. Similarly, sidewall 46 would not have ribs 52, whilesidewall 48 would. The splice element 40 and spline element 42 could beso proportioned that a surface of sidewall 46 would be in surface tosurface contact with a surface of body 80. At least two ribs 52 and twofins 78 would be provided on the right side of the assembly. Similarly,fins 144 and ribs 156 may be provided on one side only with the otherside remaining free of the same. The joint is effected in the samemanner as described above in connection with the otherwise identicalsplice and spline elements having ribs and fins projecting on bothsides.

As is shown in FIG. 8, the male member 280 is provided with a pluralityof fins 282 disposed solely on one side of web 284. The other sideconsists of a generally smooth bearing surface 286. Also shown in thisfigure is a female member 290 which has an open channel 292 and aplurality of notches 294 defined by ribs 296 on sidewall 298. Theopposite sidewall 300 has a substantially smooth inner surface which ispreferably adapted to be in surface to surface contact with bearingsurface 286 when the male member 280 is inserted into the female member290.

The use of fins and ribs on both sides of the splice and spline elementsis preferred as it provides a distinct economic and manufacturingadvantage. For example, if fins are positioned on only one side of thespline element the element must be fabricated with a spacing of Xbetween adjacent fins. The same graduation may be effected by placingfins on both sides of the spline element while effecting a spacing of2X" between adjacent fins on the same side of the spline member. Thus,in extrusion, for example, the tooling is less intricate and distancesbetween fins less substantial. This facilitates ease of fabrication andproduces an economic saving while retaining the benefit of the Vernierprinciple. A similar advantage is obtainable in connecting thepositioning of the splice element notches.

It will, therefore, be appreciated that the wall construction of thisinvention as a result of the uniquely configurated splice and splineelements provides an economical means for effecting a wide variety ofwall constructions facilitating use with a wide range of panel materialthicknesses and panel materials. This results in an aestheticallypleasing appearance and maximum strength uniform securement of thepanels. This may readily be accomplished while providing both economicsavings in the field as a result of ease of installation. In addition,economy in the splice component parts results from the relativesimplicity of manufacture and structural designs which facilitate theuse of readily available materials having a reasonable cost.

In addition, the splice assembly components permit adjustability whichis of refined graduation as a result of the preferred staggeredpositioning of the channel ribs or resilient fins. The most advantageousmeans of providing such a structure is by means of the abovedescribedapplication ofthe Vernier effect. Also, the splice member mayconveniently be formed as a unit with an outwardly open panel joiningmember composed of suitable material such as metal and may be formed byprocessessuch as extrusion. The two forms of spline elements illustratedare preferably longitudinally substantially coextensive with theadjacent marginal edges of the panels to be joined. As a result of thehead portion, the gap between the marginal edges of the panels isconcealed from view and a decorative matching or contrastingaesthetically pleasing appearance may be provided by the spline head andthe exposed panel faces. Also, the visual joint may be eliminated byemploying fastening means, such as nails, muding and taping. It willfurther be appreciated that in addition to providing for compressiveresilient deflection of the spline in order to establish a desiredengagement, splice retention is effected through mechanical interlock,the inclination of the spline fins and the resiliency which is providedin the fin structures.

The adjustable locking assembly of this invention has a broad range ofapplications wherein effective resilient locking retention and refinedgraduation of locking positions in accordance with specific geometricconfigurations are desired.

It will be appreciated that while, for convenience of illustration, aspecific form of adjustable locking structures including a compositewall structure and a panel or window frame have been shown, numerousforms of wall constructions be they interior partition walls or exteriorwalls as well as a wide range of joints between various types of panelsmay be provided with the adjustable locking structures of thisinvention.

Whereas particular embodiments of the invention have been describedabove for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilledin the art that numerous variations of the details may be made withoutdeparting from the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A wall construction, comprising a pair of panels having a pair ofadjacent marginal edges disposed in aligned spaced relationship withrespect to each other,

a splice joint assembly having a splice element and a spline elementeach extending into said space between said adjacent marginal edges fromopposite ends thereof,

said splice element having a base portion and a pair of sidewallsextending forwardly from said base portion and cooperating with saidbase portion to define a forwardly open channel,

at least one of said splice element sidewalls each having a plurality oftransversely inwardly projecting ribs which divide said sidewall into aplurality of notches,

said spline element having a locking portion, a transversely enlargedforwardly disposed head portion and a connecting body portion,

said spline element locking portion having at least two transverselyangularly forwardly directed resiliently deflectable fins protruding incantilevered fashion therefrom,

the spacing between said transversely inwardly pro jecting ribs and thespacing between said transversely angularly forwardly directedresiliently deflectable fins each being established by the Vernierprinciple,

at least one said resilient fin having a free end resiliently deflectedand engaged within a notch of said splice element, and

said head portion in contact with a forwardly facing surface of saidpanels.

2. The wall construction of claim 1, including both said sidewallshaving said inwardly projecting ribs,

at least two said resilient fins projecting from each side of lockingportion,

said splice element being substantially rigid, said splice elementsidewalls are substantially parallel and are of substantially uniformthickness except at locations of said ribs, each said notch defining ribof said splice element having a rearward surface which is disposedgenerally perpendicular to said generally parallel sidewalls and aforward surface which extends from the innermost portion of saidrearward surface transversely angularly forwardly, each said notchdefining rib is spaced longitudinally within said splice element withrespect to adjacent ribs, said spline element body portion being ofsubstantially uniform thickness, the portion of said spline elementlocking portion from which said resiliently deformable fins protrudebeing formed as a web-like extension of said body portion, sand thesmaller of the two angles between said fins and said web-like portionfrom which they project being about 35 to 60. 3. The wall constructionof claim 2, including said splice element base being generally v-shaped,the minimum transverse distance between said generally parallelsidewalls of said splice element taken from the transverse innermostportions the two lines of ribs is less than the uncompressed maximumwidth of said locking portion of said spline element, said spliceelement is an aluminum extrusion, and said spline element is composed ofa resiliently deformable plastic material. 4. The wall construction ofclaim 2, including said splice joint assembly is longitudinallysubstantially coextensive with said adjacent marginal panel edges, arearwardly open generally channel shaped panel joining elementintegrally formed with said splice element and having its base disposedclosely adjacent the base of said splice element, and a pair of paneledges secured within said rearwardly open panel joining element. 5. Thewall construction of claim 4, including each said panel consisting ofarearward panel section having a rearwardly facing metal skin and aninsulating material panel section and a forwardly disposed panel sectionin face to face adjacency with respect to said insulating material, thespacing between transversely inwardly directed ribs of said sidewallsand between said resilient fin elements of said locking portion isdetermined by the relationship NS (N i) S where N the number of fins orribs provided on the spline or splice element which has the lessernumber of fins or ribs S, the distance between the closest two ribs orfins (be they on the same side or opposite sides) of the element havingthe lesser number with the distance being measured between free endsthereof, and

S the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the sameside or opposite sides) of the element having the greater number, withthe distance being measured between free ends thereof, and

said head portion of said spline element in contact with the forwardface of each said adjacent panel.

6. The wall construction of claim 4, including each said panelconsisting of a rearwardly disposed section having a rearwardly facingskin and an insulating material panel section and a forwardly disposedpanel section disposed adjacent the forward surface of said insulatingmaterial,

the head of said spline element interposed between said forwardlydisposed panel section and said insulating material,

the body portion of said spline element having an enlarged generallychannel shaped forwardly open recess provided with sidewalls havingresilient transversely angularly rearwardly directed fin portions, and

a second spline element having a head portion, a substantially rigidbody portion extending into said forwardly open channel of said splinebody portion and having transversely projecting ribs emerging fromopposed sides thereof, at least one said rib on each side of said secondspline element in resilient fin deflecting engagement with the free endof one said deflected fin.

7. The wall construction of claim 6, including said head portion of saidfirst spline element having a web-like section interposed between saidinsulating material and said forwardly disposed panel section, and

fastener means extending through each said forward panel section andinto said head portion of said second spline.

8. The wall construction of claim 7, including a pair of web-likeflanges extending transversely outwardly from said generally parallelsidewalls of said first splice element at a position rearward of theforwardmost portion of said splice element and forward of the basethereof, and

said flanges disposed rearwardly of said insulating material and insurface to surface engagement therewith.

9. A splice assembly, comprising a splice element having a base portionand a pair of spaced forwardly directed generally parallel sidewallsemerging from said base and cooperating therewith to define a forwardlyopen channel,

said splice element composed of a substantially rigid material,

at least one said sidewall having an inner surface provided with aplurality of transversely inwardly directed ribs which divide saidsidewall into a series of transversely inwardly open notches,

a spline element having a body portion, a locking portion at one endthereof and a transversely extending head portion at the other endthereof,

said locking portion of said spline element having at least onetransversely angularly forwardly extending resiliently deflectable finelement having a free end engaged within a notch of said splice element,whereby relative separation of said splice element and said splineelement is resisted by the resilient interengagement between saidnotches and said fins, and

the spacing between said transversely inwardly directed ribs and thespacing between said transversely angularly forwardly extendingresiliently deflectable tins each being established by the Vernierprinciple.

10. The splice assembly of claim 9, including both said sidewalls havesaid notch defining ribs,

said locking portion having two said fin elements on each side thereof,

said uncompressed maximum width of said locking portion of said splineelement is greater than the minimum distance between said generallyparallel sidewalls of said splice element taken between the transverserinner extremities of the two rows of ribs,

said ribs of said generally parallel sidewalls having an angularlyforwardly disposed pilot surface which facilitates smooth movement ofsaid fin thereover during insertion of said spline element into saidsplice element,

at least one of said splice element and said spline element having itssaid ribs or fins disposed on one side thereofpositioned in relativestaggered relationship with respect to said ribs or fins disposed on theother side thereof, and

the other of said splice element and said spline element having its saidrib or fins disposed on one side thereof positioned in relative alignedrelationship with respect to said ribs or fins disposed on the otherside thereof, whereby one said element will have staggered positioningof its said fins or ribs and the other said element will have alignedpositioning of its said fins or ribs.

11. The splice assembly of claim 9, including the spacing betweentransversely inwardly directed ribs of said sidewalls and between saidresilient fin elements of said locking portion is determined by therelationship Ns (N 1 5 wherein N the number of fins or ribs providing onthe spline or splice element which has the lesser number of fins or ribsS the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the sameside or opposite sides) of the element having the lesser number with thedistance being measured between free ends thereof, and

S the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the sameside or opposite sides) of the element having the greater number, withthe distance being measured between free ends thereof.

12. The splice assembly of claim 11, including said ribs on each saidsidewall disposed in spaced relationship with respect to adjacent ribson said sidewall,

the body portion of said spline element having a webshaped portion andadjacent said head portion having a forwardly open channel defined by anenlarged base portion and parallel spaced sidewalls,

said body portion channel having rearwardly and transversely inwardlydirected resiliently deformable fins cantilevered from each said channeldefining sidewall,

a second spline element composed of a substantially rigid materialhaving a head portion and a body portion provided with transverselyoutwardly directed ribs, and

said body portion of said second spline element disposed at least inpart within said body portion channel and said ribs in resilientinterlocking engagement with said resilient channel fins.

13. The splice assembly of claim 12, including a pair of transverselyoutwardly directed flanges extending from said sidewalls of said firstsplice element,

said splice element composed of aluminum, and

said first spline element composed of a resiliently deformable plasticmaterial.

14. The splice assembly of claim 13, including said spline elementlocking portion having fins which have a length greater than the widthof that sector of said spline element from which they emerge.

15. An adjustable locking assembly, comprising a female element having abase portion and a pair of spaced forwardly directed generally parallelsidewalls emerging from said base and cooperating therewith to define aforwardly open channel,

a male element having a body portion and a locking portion at one end ofsaid body portion,

one of said male element and female element having transverselyangularly oriented resiliently deflectable fin elements and the other ofsaid elements having a number of substantially rigid generallytransversely oriented ribs defining a plurality of notches,

said male element extending into said forwardly open channel,

at least one transversely angularly extending resiliently deflectablefin element having a free end engaged within a notch, whereby relativeseparation of said female element and said male element is resisted bythe resilient interengagement between said notches and said fins, and

the spacing between said transversely angularly resiliently deflectablefin elements and the spacing between said transversely oriented ribseach being established by the Vernier principle.

16. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 15 including said resilientfins are disposed on said male element and are directed transverselyangularly forwardly,

said ribs are disposed on at least one said female element sidewalls andextend transversely inwardly dividing said sidewall into a plurality ofnotches, and

said female element is composed of a substantially rigid material.

17. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 15 including both saidsidewalls have said notch defining ribs,

said locking portion of said male element having two said fin elementson each side thereof,

said uncompressed maximum width of said locking portion of said maleelement is greater than the minimum distance between said generallyparallel sidewalls of said female element taken between the transverseinner extremities of the two rows of ribs,

said ribs of said generally parallel sidewalls having an angularlyforwardly disposed pilot surface which facilitates smooth movement ofsaid fin thereover during insertion of said male element into saidfemale element,

at least one of said female element and said male element having itssaid ribs or fins disposed on one side thereof positioned in relativestaggered relationship with respect to said ribs or fins disposed on theother side thereof, and

the other of said female element and said male element having its saidribs or fins disposed on one side thereof positioned in relative alignedrelationship with respect to said ribs or fins disposed on the otherside thereof, whereby one said element will have staggered positioningof its said fins or ribs and the other said element will have alignedpositioning of its said fins or ribs.

18. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 16 including the spacingbetween transversely inwardly directed ribs of said sidewalls andbetween said resilient fin elements of said locking portion isdetermined by the relationship NS (N 1) S wherein N the number of finsor ribs provided on the male or female element which has the lessernumber of fins or ribs S the distance between the closest two ribs orfins (be they on the same side or opposite sides) of the element havingthe lesser number with the distance being measured between free endsthereof, and

S the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the sameside or opposite sides) of the element having the greater number, withthe distance being measured between free ends thereof.

39. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 18 including said ribs oneach said sidewall disposed in spaced relationship with respect toadjacent ribs on said sidewall,

a transversely enlarged head portion disposed on said male elementdisposed on the opposite side of said body portion with respect to saidlocking portion,

the body portion of said male element having a webshaped portion andadjacent said head portion having a forwardly open channel defined by anenlarged base portion and parallel spaced sidewalls,

said body portion channel having rearwardly and transversely inwardlydirected resiliently deformable fins cantilevered from each said channeldefining sidewall,

a second male element composed of a substantially rigid material havinga head portion and a body portion provided with transversely outwardlydirected ribs, and

said body portion of said second male element disposed at least in partwithin said body portion channel and said ribs in resilient interlockingengagement with said resilient channel fins.

PHIN l :21: IHINI L.ll'\

Patent No. 3,732,659 h e May 15, 1973 Inventor(s) ert L. LaBarge It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Abstract please add the following:

--A panel joint construction including a pair of panels having adjacentmarginal edges disposed in aligned spaced relationship. A splice jointassembly having a splice element and a spline element extending into thespace between the panel edges and adapted for adjustable resilientinterlocking engagement. The splice element having a base portion and apair of generally parallel sidewalls defining a forwardly open channel.One or both of "the sidewalls having a plurality of transverselyinwardly directed ribs which divide the sidewall into a plurality ofnotches. The spline element having a locking portion adapted toresiliently engage the notched channel, a transversely enlarger! headportion and a connecting body portion. The spline element lockingportion having at least two elongated, transversely angularly forwardlydirected, cantilevered resiliently deformable fins protruding from atleast one side thereof. At least one fin having a free end resilientlydeflected and engaged within a notch .of the splice element. The headportion in contact with a forward facing surface of each panel.

, The spline element may have a forwardly open channel defined withinits body portion adapted to receive a second spline element. e bodyportion channel has transversely angularly rearwardly directed elongatedresilient fin elements and the second spline element has a number oftransversely outwardly directed ribs on opposite sides thereof engagedwith the deflected fins of the body portion channel.

FORM po'wso (10459) USCOMM-DC wan-Poo US. GOVERNMENT PIINIING OFFICE 1III! 0-366-334 if UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIONPatent No. 3,732,659 e. May 15, 1973 Inventor(s) Robert L. LaBarge It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the splice element the notches on one sidewall may be disposed inaligned relationship or staggered relationship with respect to thenotches on the other sidewall. Also, the resilient angularly disposedfins on one side of the locking portion and second channel may bepositioned in aligned or staggered relationship with respect to those onthe opposed side. Preferably either the splice or spline element willhave staggered positioning of its notches or fins, respectively, and theother will have aligned relationship. This is preferably accomplished inaccordance with a precise mathematical formulation.

A rigid splice member integrally connected, at closely adjacent baseportions, with a second form of panel joining member having a rearwardlyopen channel.

. A window frame employing the adjustable locking assembly of thisinvention.--

FORM USCOMM oc 60376 P69 U.5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I l," 0-366-33Patent No. 2, 659 Dated M y 15, 1973 Inventor(s) Robert LaBarge It iscertified that error appears in the above-identified patent and thatsaid Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 16, line 33 Change "242" to "24 Col. 10, line 34 Change "224" to"242".

Col. 11, line 41 Change "for" to "of".

Col. 11, line 46 Omit "both".

Col. 12, line 16 Change "aspecific form" I to -specific forms-.

Claim 2, col. 13, Change "sand" to --andline 19 Claim 16, col. 16,Change "sidewalls" to line 43 -sidewall--.

This certificate supersedes Certificate of Correction issued September18, 1973.

Signed and sealed this 50th day of July 197 (SEAL) Attest: I

McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. I LARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents FORM po'wso USCOMM-DC scan-P09 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINYINGOFFICE Z is, 3'3,

1. A wall construction, comprising a pair of panels having a pair ofadjacent marginal edges disposed in aligned spaced relationship withrespect to each other, a splice joint assembly having a splice elementand a spline element each extending into said space between saidadjacent marginal edges from opposite ends thereof, said splice elementhaving a base portion and a pair of sidewalls extending forwardly fromsaid base portion and cooperating with said base portion to define aforwardly open channel, at least one of said splice element sidewallseach having a plurality of transversely inwardly projecting ribs whichdivide said sidewall into a plurality of notches, said spline elementhaving a locking portion, a transversely enlarged forwardly disposedhead portion and a connecting body portion, said spline element lockingportion having at least two transversely angularly forwardly directedresiliently deflectable fins protruding in cantilevered fashiontherefrom, the spacing between said transversely inwardly projectingribs and the spacing between said transversely angularly forwardlydirected resiliently deflectable fins each being established by theVernier principle, at least one said resilient fin having a free endresiliently deflected and engaged within a notch of said splice element,and said head portion in contact with a forwardly facing surface of saidpanels.
 2. The wall construction of claim 1, including both saidsidewalls having said inwardly projecting ribs, at least two saidresilient fins projecting from each side of locking portion, said spliceelement being substantially rigid, said splice element sidewalls aresubstantially parallel and are of substantially uniform thickness exceptat locations of said ribs, each said notch defining rib of said spliceelement having a rearward surface which is disposed generallyperpendicular to said generally parallel sidewalls and a forward surfacewhich extends from the innermost portion of said rearward surfacetransversely angularly forwardly, each said notch defining rib is spacedlongitudinally within said splice element with respect to adjacent ribs,said spline element body portion being of substantially uniformthickness, the portion of said spline element locking portion from whichsaid resiliently deformable fins protrude being formed as a web-likeextension of said body portion, sand the smaller of the two anglesbetween said fins and said web-like portion from which they projectbeing about 35* to 60*.
 3. The wall construction of claim 2, includingsaid splice element base being generally v-shaped, the minimumtransverse distance between said gEnerally parallel sidewalls of saidsplice element taken from the transverse innermost portions the twolines of ribs is less than the uncompressed maximum width of saidlocking portion of said spline element, said splice element is analuminum extrusion, and said spline element is composed of a resilientlydeformable plastic material.
 4. The wall construction of claim 2,including said splice joint assembly is longitudinally substantiallycoextensive with said adjacent marginal panel edges, a rearwardly opengenerally channel shaped panel joining element integrally formed withsaid splice element and having its base disposed closely adjacent thebase of said splice element, and a pair of panel edges secured withinsaid rearwardly open panel joining element.
 5. The wall construction ofclaim 4, including each said panel consisting of a rearward panelsection having a rearwardly facing metal skin and an insulating materialpanel section and a forwardly disposed panel section in face to faceadjacency with respect to said insulating material, the spacing betweentransversely inwardly directed ribs of said sidewalls and between saidresilient fin elements of said locking portion is determined by therelationship NS1 (N + 1) S2 where N the number of fins or ribs providedon the spline or splice element which has the lesser number of fins orribs S1 the distance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they onthe same side or opposite sides) of the element having the lesser numberwith the distance being measured between free ends thereof, and S2 thedistance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the same sideor opposite sides) of the element having the greater number, with thedistance being measured between free ends thereof, and said head portionof said spline element in contact with the forward face of each saidadjacent panel.
 6. The wall construction of claim 4, including each saidpanel consisting of a rearwardly disposed section having a rearwardlyfacing skin and an insulating material panel section and a forwardlydisposed panel section disposed adjacent the forward surface of saidinsulating material, the head of said spline element interposed betweensaid forwardly disposed panel section and said insulating material, thebody portion of said spline element having an enlarged generally channelshaped forwardly open recess provided with sidewalls having resilienttransversely angularly rearwardly directed fin portions, and a secondspline element having a head portion, a substantially rigid body portionextending into said forwardly open channel of said spline body portionand having transversely projecting ribs emerging from opposed sidesthereof, at least one said rib on each side of said second splineelement in resilient fin deflecting engagement with the free end of onesaid deflected fin.
 7. The wall construction of claim 6, including saidhead portion of said first spline element having a web-like sectioninterposed between said insulating material and said forwardly disposedpanel section, and fastener means extending through each said forwardpanel section and into said head portion of said second spline.
 8. Thewall construction of claim 7, including a pair of web-like flangesextending transversely outwardly from said generally parallel sidewallsof said first splice element at a position rearward of the forwardmostportion of said splice element and forward of the base thereof, and saidflanges disposed rearwardly of said insulating material and in surfaceto surface engagement therewith.
 9. A splice assembly, comprising asplice element having a base portion and a pair of spaced forwardlydirected generally parallel sidewalls emerging from said base andcooperating therewith to define a forwardly open channel, said sPliceelement composed of a substantially rigid material, at least one saidsidewall having an inner surface provided with a plurality oftransversely inwardly directed ribs which divide said sidewall into aseries of transversely inwardly open notches, a spline element having abody portion, a locking portion at one end thereof and a transverselyextending head portion at the other end thereof, said locking portion ofsaid spline element having at least one transversely angularly forwardlyextending resiliently deflectable fin element having a free end engagedwithin a notch of said splice element, whereby relative separation ofsaid splice element and said spline element is resisted by the resilientinterengagement between said notches and said fins, and the spacingbetween said transversely inwardly directed ribs and the spacing betweensaid transversely angularly forwardly extending resiliently deflectablefins each being established by the Vernier principle.
 10. The spliceassembly of claim 9, including both said sidewalls have said notchdefining ribs, said locking portion having two said fin elements on eachside thereof, said uncompressed maximum width of said locking portion ofsaid spline element is greater than the minimum distance between saidgenerally parallel sidewalls of said splice element taken between thetransverser inner extremities of the two rows of ribs, said ribs of saidgenerally parallel sidewalls having an angularly forwardly disposedpilot surface which facilitates smooth movement of said fin thereoverduring insertion of said spline element into said splice element, atleast one of said splice element and said spline element having its saidribs or fins disposed on one side thereof positioned in relativestaggered relationship with respect to said ribs or fins disposed on theother side thereof, and the other of said splice element and said splineelement having its said rib or fins disposed on one side thereofpositioned in relative aligned relationship with respect to said ribs orfins disposed on the other side thereof, whereby one said element willhave staggered positioning of its said fins or ribs and the other saidelement will have aligned positioning of its said fins or ribs.
 11. Thesplice assembly of claim 9, including the spacing between transverselyinwardly directed ribs of said sidewalls and between said resilient finelements of said locking portion is determined by the relationship NS1(N + 1) S2 wherein N the number of fins or ribs providing on the splineor splice element which has the lesser number of fins or ribs S1 thedistance between the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the same sideor opposite sides) of the element having the lesser number with thedistance being measured between free ends thereof, and S2 the distancebetween the closest two ribs or fins (be they on the same side oropposite sides) of the element having the greater number, with thedistance being measured between free ends thereof.
 12. The spliceassembly of claim 11, including said ribs on each said sidewall disposedin spaced relationship with respect to adjacent ribs on said sidewall,the body portion of said spline element having a web-shaped portion andadjacent said head portion having a forwardly open channel defined by anenlarged base portion and parallel spaced sidewalls, said body portionchannel having rearwardly and transversely inwardly directed resilientlydeformable fins cantilevered from each said channel defining sidewall, asecond spline element composed of a substantially rigid material havinga head portion and a body portion provided with transversely outwardlydirected ribs, and said body portion of said second spline elementdisposed at least in part within said body portion channel and said ribsin resilient interlocking Engagement with said resilient channel fins.13. The splice assembly of claim 12, including a pair of transverselyoutwardly directed flanges extending from said sidewalls of said firstsplice element, said splice element composed of aluminum, and said firstspline element composed of a resiliently deformable plastic material.14. The splice assembly of claim 13, including said spline elementlocking portion having fins which have a length greater than the widthof that sector of said spline element from which they emerge.
 15. Anadjustable locking assembly, comprising a female element having a baseportion and a pair of spaced forwardly directed generally parallelsidewalls emerging from said base and cooperating therewith to define aforwardly open channel, a male element having a body portion and alocking portion at one end of said body portion, one of said maleelement and female element having transversely angularly orientedresiliently deflectable fin elements and the other of said elementshaving a number of substantially rigid generally transversely orientedribs defining a plurality of notches, said male element extending intosaid forwardly open channel, at least one transversely angularlyextending resiliently deflectable fin element having a free end engagedwithin a notch, whereby relative separation of said female element andsaid male element is resisted by the resilient interengagement betweensaid notches and said fins, and the spacing between said transverselyangularly resiliently deflectable fin elements and the spacing betweensaid transversely oriented ribs each being established by the Vernierprinciple.
 16. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 15 includingsaid resilient fins are disposed on said male element and are directedtransversely angularly forwardly, said ribs are disposed on at least onesaid female element sidewalls and extend transversely inwardly dividingsaid sidewall into a plurality of notches, and said female element iscomposed of a substantially rigid material.
 17. The adjustable lockingassembly of claim 15 including both said sidewalls have said notchdefining ribs, said locking portion of said male element having two saidfin elements on each side thereof, said uncompressed maximum width ofsaid locking portion of said male element is greater than the minimumdistance between said generally parallel sidewalls of said femaleelement taken between the transverse inner extremities of the two rowsof ribs, said ribs of said generally parallel sidewalls having anangularly forwardly disposed pilot surface which facilitates smoothmovement of said fin thereover during insertion of said male elementinto said female element, at least one of said female element and saidmale element having its said ribs or fins disposed on one side thereofpositioned in relative staggered relationship with respect to said ribsor fins disposed on the other side thereof, and the other of said femaleelement and said male element having its said ribs or fins disposed onone side thereof positioned in relative aligned relationship withrespect to said ribs or fins disposed on the other side thereof, wherebyone said element will have staggered positioning of its said fins orribs and the other said element will have aligned positioning of itssaid fins or ribs.
 18. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 16including the spacing between transversely inwardly directed ribs ofsaid sidewalls and between said resilient fin elements of said lockingportion is determined by the relationship NS1 (N + 1) S2 wherein N thenumber of fins or ribs provided on the male or female element which hasthe lesser number of fins or ribs S1 the distance between the closesttwo ribs or fins (be they on the same side or opposite sides) of theelement having The lesser number with the distance being measuredbetween free ends thereof, and S2 the distance between the closest tworibs or fins (be they on the same side or opposite sides) of the elementhaving the greater number, with the distance being measured between freeends thereof.
 19. The adjustable locking assembly of claim 18 includingsaid ribs on each said sidewall disposed in spaced relationship withrespect to adjacent ribs on said sidewall, a transversely enlarged headportion disposed on said male element disposed on the opposite side ofsaid body portion with respect to said locking portion, the body portionof said male element having a web-shaped portion and adjacent said headportion having a forwardly open channel defined by an enlarged baseportion and parallel spaced sidewalls, said body portion channel havingrearwardly and transversely inwardly directed resiliently deformablefins cantilevered from each said channel defining sidewall, a secondmale element composed of a substantially rigid material having a headportion and a body portion provided with transversely outwardly directedribs, and said body portion of said second male element disposed atleast in part within said body portion channel and said ribs inresilient interlocking engagement with said resilient channel fins.